Chapter 27
Lisa didn't go back to work the next day. She didn't want to be there during the sale, which was something she never believed she would do. She was a very hands-on person with her business, but she learned that she had a history of selling horses to this person, and she wasn't ready to see them in person. Working from home, Lisa was still able to help with any last-minute details of the sale, but she didn't have to be there.
Jack came back to the house for lunch. Lisa was pulling food out of the fridge when he came in. "Hi, Lis. How has your day been?"
After setting things down on the table, Lisa turned to look at Jack. "Hi. It's been okay. The sale went through. Georgie did a great job."
Jack sat down and took his boots off. "Good. I'm glad she is doing well. I had a feeling she would when I suggested it, but I could have overestimated her because she's family." After he got his boots off, he walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table and started making a sandwich for himself.
Lisa sat down and started making herself a sandwich as well. "How was your day?"
"It was fine. I need to get a new truck. I can't keep depending on Tim to take care of hauling stuff. He's busy with his rodeo school, and I can't always wait for him to be available." He hated not having the independence of having his own vehicle.
"I can see how that would be a problem. You do need to be looking for a new truck. My appointment to get my cast off is two weeks from Friday, and I'll be able to drive again after that. Although my arm is probably weak and I'll need some physical therapy to get back in shape." Lisa was so excited to be able to drive again.
"Do you have any work to do after lunch?" asked Jack.
"Not really. I can do it later. Why?" LIsa was wondering where Jack was going with the line of conversation.
"Would you be willing to go to the car dealership with me and look at trucks? I'd like your opinion." Jack didn't know if Lisa would be willing, but he really wanted her to come with him.
Lisa was unsure about going to town, but at the same time, she wanted to do something for Jack. He had done so much for her since the accident. "I guess. Going to town now is probably better than later in the day or over the weekend. I'm less likely to run into people I don't remember."
"That was part of my thought process. Let's eat some lunch and then head into town." Jack hated shopping for vehicles, but he was almost excited at the prospect of going somewhere with Lisa.
"Okay." Lisa felt nervous about it, but they needed to get Jack a truck. She knew he couldn't keep depending on Tim to haul things. She was also going to need her car back in a little over two weeks, so they didn't have a whole lot of time left.
After lunch, Jack and Lisa made their way into town and went to the dealership where Jack got his last truck. He knew that he needed to be more open to new things when looking at trucks, but he wasn't looking forward to it. He liked his old truck, and he would have been happy driving it forever. Being forced to buy a new truck was a chance for him to actually be open to something new. He knew the last time that he had fought it tooth and nail and, in the end, got his way with the older truck that no one really liked but him.
Both of them were lost in thought, so they didn't talk much on the drive to the dealership. Once they arrived, Jack parked the Porsche down the street. He knew if they saw him coming in that they wouldn't try to work with him on a price. He helped Lisa out of the SUV, and they made their way to the dealership.
Lisa could see several trucks that looked interesting to her, but she was waiting to see what Jack had in mind. Seeing Jack looking at some older trucks, Lisa reminded him that he needed something with a back seat for Lyndy. Despite his grumbling, he listened to her and started looking at trucks that were slightly older. Lisa rolled her eyes. "Jack, you said that you were going to get something newer and safer. These are still really old."
Jack knew she was right. He had just given himself a lecture about being willing to try something new on the way to the dealership, but he was always drawn to the older trucks first. "You're right. I'm sorry. Have you seen anything that caught your eye? You're probably better at this than me."
"Not necessarily, but what about those trucks over there? Lisa pointed to a small row of trucks that looked like what Jack needed. "They aren't super flashy, but they are newer, and they fit the bill for what you're looking for. I also happen to know that they have better safety ratings than some of these older trucks. I've done a little research since the accident."
As the couple made their way over to the trucks, a salesman approached and began asking them if they needed any help and gave them the specs on the trucks that they were approaching. Jack wanted to tell the salesman off, but he held it in. Lisa looked over the trucks and pulled out her phone to look up what they were worth and what a good price was for them.
After hearing the salesman's spiel about the trucks, Lisa went into business woman mode and began to negotiate. Jack just stood back and watched in amazement. She had tried so hard not to tell him what to do last time, but they didn't have the same relationship anymore. She just saw what needed to be done, and she went to work.
When it came time to test drive the trucks, Lisa remembered Jack telling her about how the salesman had talked his ear off last time and it made it hard for him to really think while he was driving. Lisa had a plan to keep the salesman occupied while Jack drove. They got into the truck, and Lisa began asking him about where he was from, who his parents were, and if he had a family of his own. When she found out he had children, she knew she could keep him occupied for a while. She asked to see a photo of them and gushed about how adorable they were.
Jack realized what Lisa was doing and smirked to himself as he drove. He focused on the vehicle and tried to see what things were deal breakers and what things he could live with if he bought the truck. He hated to admit that Lisa had picked out a good truck. It was gray like the last new truck he bought and returned, but it was a newer model. The price just about gave him a heart attack, but he knew that he had to get over it if he wanted to make Lisa happy and have a vehicle that Lyndy could ride in.
Arriving back at the dealership, Lisa asked to speak with Jack privately to find out what he thought about the truck. "So what do you think?" she asked once they were alone.
"I can't wear my hat in the truck, but apparently, that's not safe anyway, so I guess I need to get over that one. It does drive well and has enough power to deal with hauling stuff in the foothills and mountains in Alberta. What do you think? You were talking to the salesman the whole time. Don't think I don't know what you were doing. Do you have any thoughts or concerns about the truck?" Jack wasn't sure if he wanted Lisa to agree with him or not. He was surprised at how easy buying a truck was this time.
"I really like it. It's nice and new and it has things that will be lost on you, but that the rest of the family, including me, will enjoy. I've talked him down a bit on price, and I think that I can talk him down even further if you don't mind." Lisa really hoped she wasn't overstepping, but she wanted to help Jack in whatever way she could.
Jack's eyes lit up at the idea of getting the truck for even a little bit cheaper. "I'll never complain about paying less. Go ahead and do your thing. You got us a great deal on cattle not that long ago, I'd like to see what you can do with a truck."
Lisa laughed. "So, do you want this truck? Are you sure?"
"I do like it. It seems like it might be fun to drive and it would be fun to be able to take the great grandkids out for ice cream in my truck rather than always having to take yours, or Amy's or Lou's" It was happening pretty quickly, but he had been to look at trucks with Lisa before when they went to Calgary to pick Georgie up from the airport. He already had an idea of what he was looking for, and Lisa had helped him find something that seemed like him. Last time, when it came time to negotiate, she had stayed back and let him do it. He wished he could ask that Lisa why she hadn't tried to help more. He assumed it was because he was already struggling with it, and she didn't want to step in and possibly make it worse.
"I know you probably didn't intend to buy a truck today, but you need one, and this is a good one. The sooner you have a truck, the sooner you no longer have to depend on Tim and his truck." Lisa hoped that Jack agreed.
"These are all good points. I don't know that I have the cash to put down for a new truck right now, though. I don't like having loans, but I don't think I can get this truck without one." Jack grumbled.
"Well, I have the cash, and I could just buy the truck for you. I know you won't like that idea, but I can take care of the down payment until you can get the cash to cover it yourself. How does that sound?" LIsa hoped that Jack would take the offer and not let his ego get in the way.
"I don't really like doing that either, but it's probably the best option." Jack looked like he had a thought that amused him. "I have a feeling you're going to get every discount you can from this guy."
Lisa chuckled and said, "Something like that. So, if you want the truck, we can get it today. You need it, and it would be super helpful for you to have it. I know you don't really like driving my car."
"You're right. I don't. We need to figure out how to get your car back home if I buy the truck today." Jack pointed behind him with his thumb toward where Lisa's SUV was parked.
"That's not a big deal. Amy and Lou will be able to help us pick it up. I'm not that worried about that." Lisa thought it was sweet that Jack was concerned about her car, but she knew it would be fine until he could get someone to help him.
Jack thought back again to the last time Lisa helped him buy a truck. He had been fighting getting a new truck at all then, and he'd had such an emotional attachment to that gold truck. This time, he didn't have a choice. His truck wasn't driveable. He had to get a new one. As much as he would have been perfectly happy with an older truck again, he wanted to get something newer and nicer for Lisa and the rest of his family. It had taken him a long time to get to that point. He was known for not doing well with change, but he was trying to be better for Lisa.
Ultimately, Jack decided to go forward with the truck. Lisa helped him out by negotiating a lower price and got him a good deal on the truck. He felt relieved to have it taken care of, but he also had anxiety because it had happened so fast. He hoped that he'd made the right decision.
After they purchased the truck, they drove it back to Heartland. Amy had been out in the barn and saw the truck go by. She walked up to see who it was and was surprised to see her grandfather and Lisa get out of the truck. "I feel like I'm having deja vu. Are you going to return the truck for an old one again?"
Lisa laughed. "I'm going to try and make sure that doesn't happen. He told me what happened last time. He got distracted by some old trucks at the dealership, but I redirected him to newer ones."
"Good job. So where is your car? Is it still in town?" Amy looked around for Lisa's car.
"Yes, it is. Amy, could you drive me into town so I can go pick up Lisa's car?" asked Jack.
Amy nodded her head. "Of course. I was about to take a break from working anyway. Will someone be here when Lyndy gets off the bus? I think Katie had plans today."
Lisa stepped forward. "I can watch Lyndy while you go get my car. You're doing me a favor, and spending time with my youngest great-granddaughter is always a treat. She's a sweetheart."
"Thanks, Lisa. I appreciate it. Okay, Grandpa. Let's take my truck. I want to pick up some feed from Maggie's anyway. This client horse of mine is kind of particular about what kind of feed they like. It's fine, I just need to go pick it up. I just need to run inside and grab something, and then we can go." Amy went into the house.
Jack and Lisa stood outside, looking at Jack's new truck. "It's a really nice truck, Jack. I think you made the right choice."
Jack stepped closer to Lisa. "I hope so. It's weird for me to have such a nice truck, but I guess it was time."
"It was. You deserve to have a good truck that is safe and won't break down on you."
"Thanks, Lis." Jack was looking deeply into Lisa's eyes. He wanted to kiss her and was thinking about asking if he could when Amy came back outside to take him back into town. He stepped back and smiled at her. "I'll see you later. Thanks for watching Lyndy for Amy."
Lisa had chills. She had a feeling that Jack was going to kiss her again, and she realized that she wouldn't have stopped him if he had. "See you later," she called to Jack as he and Amy left. Lisa walked into the house and sat down on the couch. She had a lot to think about.
When Jack and Amy got back to Heartland, Lisa was busy helping Lyndy read a book. He and Amy stood back and watched as Lisa patiently helped Lyndy read and sound out words she didn't recognize.
Once Lyndy was done reading, she jumped up from the couch and ran to Amy. "Lisa helped me read my book!"
Amy knelt down in front of Lyndy. "I saw. You did a good job." She stood up and turned to address Lisa, "Thank you, Lisa. You're so good with her, which is the same as before the accident."
"You're so welcome. She's a sweetie, and I had fun helping her read." Lisa really loved spending time with Lyndy.
Lyndy and Amy went to their rooms, so Jack sat down next to Lisa on the couch. "So what would you think of going on that date we talked about on Saturday night? We can take my new truck."
Lisa blushed. "That sounds good. Where did you have in mind to go?"
"What would you think of going to a nice place in Lake Louise if I can get a reservation?" Jack was nervous and excited to go on a date with Lisa.
"I like that idea." Lisa enjoyed eating at nice restaurants, and she was looking forward to going out on a date with Jack even though it was a bit scary for her as well.
"Good. I'll make the arrangements. I can get dressed up so you can wear your new dress. You don't remember, but you had my suit made and have always told me how handsome I am in it." Jack didn't wear his suit often, but he was willing to wear it for LIsa. He hoped it would trigger a memory or at least make her happy.
LIsa smiled at Jack. "It's a date."
"Literally," said Jack. The two of them laughed together.
During dinner, everyone announced plans to go out of town for the weekend. Amy was going to take Lyndy to see Lilly, and Lou was taking Georgie and Katie to see Peter in Vancouver. Even Tim and Jessica were going to be out of town at a photography exhibit in Toronto.
Jack and Lisa looked over at each other and smiled knowingly at each other when no one was paying attention to them. Neither one of them had voiced any concern to each other, but both had been wondering how they were going to explain going on a date to the family. They knew that their family wanted them to be back together as a couple, but they were still figuring everything out and didn't want anyone else's input.
While they were cleaning up the table, Lou pulled Lisa aside. "Will you be okay here alone with Grandpa? That sounded weird. I know you'll be okay, but will you need any help with anything that he can't help with?"
"I'll be fine. I can mostly get cleaned up on my own, and he has gotten better at helping me wash my hair. He rarely gets water down my back anymore." Lisa was touched at Lou's concern, but she was looking forward to having some time with Jack without the family being around.
To be continued